Media, players celebrate Tendulkar's 40th

Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 40th birthday on Wednesday with a nation of cricket fans willing the Little Master to another year in his prolific international career.

Tendulkar, holder of most of the world's batting records - including most runs and centuries in tests and one-day internationals - retired from limited-overs cricket last year but continues to play Tests despite watching Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman all step down.

Most leading Indian newspapers dedicated huge space to Tendulkar with columns by former players. Television channels broadcast programs dedicated to his achievements since his 1989 debut in Pakistan as a 16-year-old.

Tendulkar became the first batsman to complete 100 international centuries.

He's scored more than 34,000 runs in Tests and one-dayers, and he was the first to score a one-day double century with 200 not out against South Africa in 2010.

He achieved his lifelong ambition of winning a World Cup on his home ground of Wankhede Stadium at Mumbai in 2011.

In The Hindu newspaper, former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who also coached India, praised Tendulkar.

"While crossing the age of 40 is no big deal for most people, it is a huge milestone in the life of a professional sportsman. Not many reach that age and are still playing at the highest level; especially if they began their international career as a precocious 16-year-old."

Chappell says Tendulkar probably carried more pressure than any other cricketer through his career.

"No other player, not even (Don) Bradman, has endured greater scrutiny and higher expectations than Tendulkar, and none has delivered more often. My warmest birthday wishes and may the final stanza of his career play out as he deserves," Chappell added.

In The Times of India, World Cup-winning former Indian captain Kapil Dev recalled Tendulkar's debut, saying it was very tough for him to deal with a near-childlike presence in the dressing room.

"At that time, he was in the 10th standard (grade), I think. So, for me, he was just a baby. But what I liked about this young boy was that he had tremendous confidence in his cricket abilities."

Spin bowling great Bishan Bedi congratulated Tendulkar for keeping a level head despite his God-like status in India.

"The fact that Sachin, during his very long innings, has not been embroiled in any major personal controversy is a tribute to his modesty ..." Bedi wrote in The Hindu.

"Welcome to the 40s buddy!! Push for singles, from here on in u don't want to score too quickly," tweeted West Indies great Brian Lara, one of the batsmen with whom Tendulkar was compared.

"Dear master blaster many happy returns of the day wishing you health and success always thank you god for this day regards," tweeted allrounder Yuvraj Singh.

"From idolising him to playing with him has been an exciting journey! (at)Sachin-rt bhai (brother) will be not out forever!" tweeted Indian batsman Virat Kohli.

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.